Word Processing Intro

[edit 10/28/05 ADA]

Word processing is using the computer as a tool to type, edit, format and print documents (spelling and thesaurus are available with most programs, grammer checkers are becomming available)

Word processing concepts and general functions

Typing

• wordwrap-The computer takes care of "returns", the only time you should press the «RETURN» key is when you want a new paragraph or a blank line.
• tabs-word processors typically have adjustable tab functions with defaults available by simply pressing the <<tab>> key as needed
• correcting typos as you make them- use the <<delete>> or <<backspace>> key in most word processors to erase backwards from your cursor position.
• documents- text is treated as one complete document that you see a screenful at a time. It's as if you have a window under which you can see only a portion of your text at any one time
• characters- all text letters, numbers and even spaces and blank lines are characters to the word processor
  

Editing

• Moving around the screen- use the arrow keys as basic moves although there are usually more powerful cursor moving commands these vary some with different word processors.

Formatting

Method and possibilities vary with different programs e.g.:.

• paragraphs; usually simply press <<Return>> or <<Enter>>
• Underlining and boldfacing;
  • Mac use:
    <<Shift>> <<command>> and either <<U>> or <<B>> for underline or bold. Repeat the same key sequence to turn off.
  • IBM and older Apple programs:
    use <<Ctrl>> and <<U>> or <<B>> as a switch
• headers and footers for page numbers, letterhead etc. There is much variation among the diffirent wordprocessing programs in how these are created.
  • Correcting typos - use the arrow keys or mouse and move the cursor to the right of the error
  • delete-use the <<delete>> or <<backspace>> in most word processors to erase backwards from your cursor position.
• adding text-just position cursor as above and type
• Working with blocks of text- word processors typically allow you to select a block of text and perform various tasks such as deleting, copying , moving, changing the text (size, underline, font etc.) Methods for this vary from highlighting by dragging mouse across text to using <Ctrl> and <A> to select the whole document..
  

Printing, Saving-these functions vary with different programs and printers